Second in the top-ten-from-my-childhood-favorites read aloud series is the 1943 Caldecott Medal Winner The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton.

Before I started reading the book to the students, I used it to discuss endpapers, title pages, and copyright date:

• We looked at how endpages are heavier to attach the book to the cover and how they can often be decorative in themselves.
• With each group we examined the title page. Kindergarten students were able to read the title along with me. We discussed how Virginia Lee Burton was both author and illustrator. For the second and third graders I mentioned how important the title page will be when they begin reading for information and must cite where they obtained the information. And, yes, I used the word “cite” but I explained it in context.
• I then referred to the back of the title page and challenged the teachers (who all remain in the room while I read) whether they knew the official name for the back of the title page. None of them knew it was a Latin word, verso. I assured the students that verso is probably a library/publishing only word – but now they know it, too! With some groups I mentioned how verso and reverse are related words because of the Latin.
• The copyright date of The Little House is 1942. I always try to relate copyright years to the world for students: In 1942 World War II was just started, and my father was six year’s old. Not all students have a concept of time; one first grader followed my time-line explanations by asking me how old I was in 1942. Without any hint of criticism I guided him to think about how old I would have been if my father was six years old. “We’re only six,” another student pointed out, not unkindly. The light bulb went on.

As I open to the first page I ask the students to watch the Little House because she is definitely the main character in this book. I point out how Burton made the house seem alive with emotions as the book progresses. I find this one of the most appealing aspects of the book and the students agree!

Many books can (and should) be read straight through so pace and story aren’t interrupted, but The Little House invited stopping to examine a few things. Vocabulary words and concepts we paused for included phases of the moon taking approximately a month (as beautifully represented in Burton’s illustration) and older words such as horseless carriage and cellar. I usually don’t give definitions or explanations, but rather lead the students with questions so they can make the connections themselves. This is SO much more valuable and they are very proud of themselves when they figure it out or already know it. And it is not always the “best and brightest” who make the connections so it can be a real boost for any student. We also discussed how the nearby large town once had trolleys, how Chicago is famous for her elevated trains, and how a nearby apple orchard is blurry pink if you pay attention driving by right now. After this very long and snowy winter spring is coming!

Read more:

SLJ article on 60th Anniversary

Houghton Mifflin books by Virginia Lee Burton

Lesson plan for The Little House